Ethical and Professional Conduct in the Workplace: A Detailed Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of ethical conduct and professional codes of conduct within organizational contexts, using a case study of a care home. The report explores various aspects of ethical behavior, including human rights, workplace fairness, and gender equality. It delves into ethical theories such as utilitarianism, justice approach, and deontological ethics, applying them to a case study involving a potentially suspicious individual. The report also includes a personal development plan to improve ethical conflict resolution and an assessment of skills and knowledge related to ethical practices. Furthermore, it discusses the legalities of job advertisements and concludes by emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership in fostering a positive work environment and ensuring the well-being of employees and stakeholders. The report emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in the healthcare sector, particularly in the context of care homes, highlighting the need for managers to address ethical dilemmas and promote a culture of respect and fairness. It also explores the application of ethical theories to real-world scenarios, such as the case study involving the girl. Finally, the report emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership in fostering a positive work environment.

WORKING ETHICALLY

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Question 1. Code of conduct............................................................................................................1
(a) Introduction...........................................................................................................................1
(b) Professional code of conduct.................................................................................................1
(c) Ethics.....................................................................................................................................2
(d) Personal Development Plan...................................................................................................4
(e) Assessment of skills and knowledge.....................................................................................5
2.Case study and questions..............................................................................................................5
Question 3 job adverts.....................................................................................................................7
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
With advent of globalization, and open economy, there has been an upsurge of ethical
issues at professional level and personal level as well. This ethical deterioration has plagued the
entire administrative setup of an organization in decelerating manner and has impacted
individuals in adverse fashion by affecting their social, mental and physical well-being. This
assignment is about a comprehensive demonstration of ethical values and professional code of
conduct in context of an organizational context. It also included about the personal assessment
with a development plan to understand the implications for being on an authoritative designation
and has an influence on the working practices of an enterprise along with the effective
engagement of employees to reap benefits in ethical order. Moreover, there is a discussion on a
given case study and the role of ethical approaches with their adoption in solving it. It includes
about the laws of equality and diversity of 2010. Along with, there is an inclusion about the
legalities associated with the job advertisements in today's world.
Question 1. Code of conduct
(a) Introduction
Paisley Court care home has been considered here which is situated in Liverpool,
Merseyside. It is one of the celebrated care homes for elderly with qualitative standards in
services that ranges from the nursing care and residential as well. They mainly deal with patients
suffering from dementia and Alzheimer in a tastefully decorated care home which gives homely
feeling. It has been providing their services since more than three decades. Its establishment
includes 100 plus care homes with approximately 6500 people. Recently, its Paisley Court has
been shortlisted for a national award with relation to their overall creative attitude in showing
compassion and commitment by going extra miles in settling the elderly with ease and person-
centric approach (Paisley Court shortlisted for national award, 2018). Their ulterior purpose is
to serve with the best nursing care with skilled and professional team for attainment of objectives
effectively with optimisation of allocated resources.
(b) Professional code of conduct
It is defined as the particular set of regulations, rules and policies in relation to the
working practices that outline the ethical standards and morality codes for sustenance in the
professional outlook by creating an ambience of optimism.

In addition to the chosen care home, it is evident that there are situational conditions that
have hampered the environment such as quality of care, restrictions with respect to resources,
employees' performance, ethical dilemmas between patient's and employee's rights (Sagarin,
Ambler and Lee, 2014). For this, they need to ensure that their taskforce are well aware of all
the features of the code of conduct required in this healthcare setup by acting professionally.
Moreover, the features involves the following parameters that must be adhered strictly by the
organisations and manager of Paisley Court care home as well for smooth running of operations.
Human rights and humanitarian contexts- This comprises those rights which promote and
maintain the standards at both the local and global levels. It includes about developing human
rights in a corporate or private set up to adopt the strategic focus areas and its overall
development.
Fair and respectful workplace- There must not be any harassment, discrimination, abuse of
authority, favouritism, and more to build an environment of holistic viewpoint among the
employees. Moreover, there must be an emphasis of respect and trust by maintaining the
courtesy level with dignity (McKee and Porter, 2017). Here, it also put insights on Prevention of
sexual exploitation and abuse that has become prevalent in recent times and must be curbed with
strict adherence.
Gender Equity and Equality- It includes the fair and justiciable treatment of both men and
women on same levels without any biases and partiality. This consists of equal contribution in
terms of responsibilities, wages, benefits, rights etc.
(c) Ethics
General concept: Ethics is the branch of knowledge, code of conduct and moral principles to
understand an individual's behavioural aspects with respect to day-to-day activities. It is
measured on the basis of the morality study to maintain elements like integrity, accountability
and respect which is connected with right and wrong. Moreover, it is linked with various beliefs
that have been formed due to factors like background, social circle and others.
Business concept: These beliefs are a combination of components like principles, theories and
judgements (Mitchell and et.al., 2017). In regard to the same, ethical business depends on the
professional code of conduct with an application of corporate ethics to create such a governance

with a sense of corporate social responsibility and presence of fiduciary that must be devoid of
any controversies, discrimination or bribery.
Healthcare concept: With reference to ethical behaviour in the healthcare sector, its popularly
known as bioethics in which there are three types of existing connections such as patient-
provider, payer-patient and provider-payer. This implementation shapes the effective altercations
at the workplace and assist in reduction of costing, mistrust and conflicts. Moreover, this care
home's manager must be sensitive towards the fulfilment of the expectations from families,
patients and staff members. There must be respect amongst everyone leading to an autonomy as
one of the key principles of ethical decision making by following a transformational leadership
style to bring radical changes in the fundamental health care change on all the operations.

(d) Personal Development Plan
What do I want
to learn?
What do I need
to do?
What support
and resources
will I need?
How will I know
if I have
achieved my
objective?
Target date for
review
Equality with fair
treatment
I must segregate
my personal
thoughts and
beliefs and must
think from
overview of
organisation's
welfare
By referring to
books and
journals,
following my
director's
messages during
sessions. Also, I
must follow the
framework
mentioned in the
rights based
approach
By taking
feedbacks from
my team
members and self
evaluation
techniques
through
comparative
analysis
methodology
Two weeks
Ethical conflict
resolving
I must be clear
with all my
comprehensions
by speaking it to
my seniors,
colleagues or
counsellors.
I must take
professional help
to gain my
motivation and
confidence
through use of
dignity therapy to
assess the person
centric approach
and self critical
analysis
By comparing the
outcomes from
critical cases and
understanding
from my
counsellor's
outlook by asking
him for an
interactive
session.
Within a month

(e) Assessment of skills and knowledge
My key strengths in context to ethical
conduct and practises are
Areas that I need to develop my skills,
knowledge and comparison in relation to
ethical conduct and practice are
There are many key strengths which gave a
push in my career and I was assigned the
manger of this care home. I am honest,
obedient and loyal towards my work ethics and
the treatment given to all including my sub-
ordinates, patients and their families.
Moreover, I have an accountable persona with
non judgemental perspective which keeps me
grounded and make me complete my tasks
with appropriate objectivity.
I need to assess my competency in resolving
the ethical conflicts by being transparent and
without any bias. Personally, I am struggling
with the beneficence concept, however I would
like to incorporate it in my working practices
in order to accelerate my self growth in
forwarding direction.
2.Case study and questions
For better understanding in context of the given case study, there is a need to comprehend
the demonstrations mentioned by the following three ethical theories or approaches.
The Utilitarian Approach: This approach is useful in laying insights on the individual's ability to
meet the outcomes as predicted after or during action. It is connected with the law and justice
and is directly taking an account of the fairness to be attached while doing any undesirable action
at a large extent. Moreover, this led to number of components such as promotes equality at all
the human possible level for successful maximisation of emotions of loyalty and trust that lead to
the path of salvation (Hardy, 2016). Here, the utility has been referred as that determinant which
has put light on the consequences of each and every action conducted by an individual and
comes under the demarcation of wrong and right. Additionally, it infers the performance of a
person that do not depend on the quantity of work performed, but also include about the well-
being in context of physical, mental and complete happiness quotient. This theory is compatible

with the case study as the entire personality of the girl did look suspicious and criminal like.
However, there is no guarantee about it and must not be judged on the basis of her appearance
and nervousness.
The Justice Approach: It is based completely on the fairness conceptual framework. This
primarily deals with the equality and equity component. However, these two terminologies are
different but have the same basic nature in facing the challenges, issues or problems due to any
unforeseen factors. Moreover, this burdens the people who are the preachers of favouritism,
abuse or any sort of discrimination. It is among one of those ethical approaches which have been
implemented in any situation or in any scenario, that has a direct and infinite effect on the
person's life or people related (Fraser and Campagna, 2018). Along with, it does not follow the
root cause behind such behavioural approach because in any way, this do not give any backing as
its teachings are purely based on the treatment of equals equally and unequal with more equality.
With respect to the case study, it lays a path of fair treatment to that girl and do not encourage
the mistreatment or misconception that has been built because of her appearance and overall
attitude.
Deontological ethics: It is based on the normative ethics concept which entailed the adherence in
relation to any moral duty or rule as per the societal norms. Here the major focus is on the
intrinsic value either completely or partially, which determines the course of action on the basis
of righteousness and wrongful doings. In addition to the same, it has been measured on that
framework which describes the predefined sets of policies, regulations and rules. Under these
considerations, the moral obligation must have been arisen either due to any external or internal
factors that have an impact on the person's behaviour or doing of some misconduct. Moreover,
this is implemented when the entire system works in proper functionalities to maintain the
checklist while taking any decisions in order to perform a specific task properly. This involves
the religious law along with a set of personal value system that might connect with the cultural
values (Sagarin, Ambler and Lee, 2014). Along with this, it led to consequentialism which lays
a foundation for a common man to know the segregation between the pragmatic ethics and virtue
ethics to have a perspective in combating the crisis effectively. Furthermore, this promotes the
action doings rather than consequences.
In regard to the case study, I would definitely inform the police but with some
precautionary measures. These precautions must be taken to safeguard my oen rights and have to

follow a framework that do not put my life to any danger or pose threats of my well-being.
Personally, I always followed deontology approach that concentrates on the righteousness of
doing tasks and consequences. This theory as already described above has given enough reason
to make an individual be aware of the surroundings for creating a more refined ethical order. It is
based on the judgement of the action of the course, whether it is right or wrong. Therefore, I am
going to analyse and evaluate the actions of the girl who would have been doing it for something
related to school work or some other personal work. Also, I must not judged her by her looks.
However, just to be sure I must inform the police who can either find a way to help her or would
detain as they are the authoritative figures in doing so.
Moreover, this approach gave me insights to take care of my own needs before jumping
into something which I am not aware of leading to unwanted situational crisis. It has been used
by me as I believe that any morally looking bad incident can affect and pave the path of
something favourable and might result in good. Henceforth, I adopted this approach.
Question 3 job adverts
There are certain laws which is imposed on companies by UK government. It governs
and control them to follow legal procedure in employment (Sikes, 2018). It is very important for
companies to follow the rules and regulations related to job employment. They should work
ethically in order to hire appropriate candidates. Following of laws and legislations ensures
equity and diversity in organization. This is because it helps in selecting the best candidate
according to their skills and abilities. Moreover, in recent times there has been a lot of frauds and
fake job advertisement cases which has occurred in UK. The government has set up some legal
rules and regulations. It restricts companies to unlawfully discriminate a person on basis of age,
gender, etc. in UK labor law the main act which is base for equality and diversity is Equality act
2010. In this there are several laws and regulations covered. This act is followed overall in UK.
This include some equity and diversity laws which are described below :-
 Equality act 2010- this act comes under UK legislation and was formed on October
2010. It replaced certain acts such as Race relation act 1976 and disability discrimination
act 1995 (Equality act 2010, 2018). It states that every organization must follow their
legal duties to promote equality and diversity. Also, there must be consistency between
employees and employer and provide fair work place environment to work (Anthony,

2015). The aim of this act is to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality and strengthen
good relations between people.
 No discrimination act – it is an integral part of equality act 2010 which states that
people or individual must not be discriminated on basis on age, gender, etc. the
organization should not follow any discrimination practice. It is necessary that each
individual must be treated equally.
 Employment right act 1996- it is a labor law of UK which gives different rights to
employees. It covers major aspect of employment relations that are leaves, termination,
data protection, etc. the act also provides protection of salary and wages.
 Diversity law- this law is combined with equality act in which it ensures that diversity
must be maintained by organization. In every company there are number of employees
working. They belong to different background, religion, creed, etc. hence, all must be
given treated equally and given same type of services.
Thus, this overall structure is included in equality and diversity law (Curran, 2016). It
ensures that no illegal practices must be followed by business in hiring of candidates. Moreover,
they must be treated equally and given equal opportunities for growth. The proper
implementation of act ensures that equality is maintained. it enforces companies to work
ethically under the legislation.
A job advert contains all details regarding job description and specification. There are
many things which are included in it as well. Alco, company must take consider other aspects as
well before giving any job ad. It is because it can lead to illegal practices. By analyzing both the
job adverts it can be concluded second one is legal because it clearly follows the equality act
2010 and diversity act. This can be identified by analyzing the overall ad. Moreover, from the
job description it can be clearly stated that candidate must be above 18 and young. Also, he or
she must be an EEA resident, having right to work in train or UK. From this it can be stated that
specification mentioned are requirement of company (Jones, 2016). They are not trying to follow
any discrimination practice. Furthermore, in job advert the aim of not hiring experience one is
clearly described. The relevant firm want to introduce new young people in IT and
communication so it justifies the reason of hiring young people. Hence, it also reflects the
positive action of firm with regards of hiring candidate. They want those young people who are

highly interested in IT and communication field. In addition there has been a positive approach
followed within the act.
On the other hand in first advert the company have specified the age between 18-30 years
but after adding African word it has followed unethical practice. This states that only African
women can apply for job. So, it shows discrimination and unequal practices been followed on
basis of religion. Thus, this ad is not legal as per laws of UK. Here, equality act 2010 is not been
followed. Also, it clearly shows concept of positive discrimination which means practice of
favoring a particular group or individual which results in discrimination. It can be on basis on
caste, creed, color, gender, etc. In this ad it is mentioned that only African women will be
preferred. So, here discrimination is done on basis of gender and caste.
Conclusion
From assignment it can be concluded that in care home it is necessary for staff to work in
ethical way. they need to follow professional code of conduct like fair and respectful workplace,
gender equity and equality, etc. while providing care services to people. There are different
approached which are used to solve issue such as Utilitarian, justice approach, etc. in last section
it can be summarized that companies have to follow laws such as Equality act 2010, no
discrimination act, Employment right act 1996, etc. while hiring candidates. In jobs adverts in
first on positive discrimination was followed and second one positive action was followed. There
lies a great difference between both concepts.

REFERENCES
Books and journals
Anthony, K., 2015. Training therapists to work effectively online and offline within digital
culture. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling. 43(1). pp.36-42.
Curran, L., 2016. Health Justice Partnership-Multi-Disciplinary Practices: Research
Evidencing Working Ethically to Ensure Reach to Those in Most Need & Improve Outcomes
(Presentation Slides).
Fraser, K. and Campagna, V., 2018. Under the Case Management Practice “Umbrella”:
CMSA's Standards and CCMC's Code of Conduct. Professional case management, 23(6),
pp.342-344.
Hardy, M.C., 2016. Drafting an effective ethical code of conduct for professional societies:
A practical guide. Administrative Sciences, 6(4), p.16.
Jones, S.A., 2016. Ethically questionable situations. Australian Nursing and Midwifery
Journal. 24(2). p.48.
McKee, H.A. and Porter, J.E., 2017. Professional Communication and Network
Interaction: A Rhetorical and Ethical Approach. Routledge.
Mitchell, S., and et.al., 2017. G518 (P) An ethical approach to patient and public
involvementwith children and young people.
Sagarin, B.J., Ambler, J.K. and Lee, E.M., 2014. An ethical approach to peeking at
data. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 9(3), pp.293-304.
Sikes, P., 2018. Working together for critical research ethics. In Researching Ethically across
Cultures (pp. 92-112). Routledge.
Online
Paisley Court shortlisted for national award, 2018. [Online]. Available
through:<http://www.careuk.com/care-homes/news/paisley-court-shortlisted-for-national-
award>.